Winemaker Notes
The flagship white of the Gai’a portfolio, this wine is bone-dry with strong character: full-bodied, well-structured with crisp acidity, distinctive minerality and delicate honeysuckle aromas. This white wine will continue to evolve for 2-5 years, as the mineral notes soften the palate will develop more nuanced flavors of fruit and honey.
A classic pairing for seafood, fatty fish, as well as poultry and even lamb stewed in lemon sauce.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Fragrant with minerally slate and petrol notes, this finely knit white is creamy on the palate and mouthwatering throughout. This has a plump juiciness to the flavors of glazed apple and quince, melon and yellow plum fruit, with rich hints of almond skin, pastry, vanilla and warm spices adding complexity and depth.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Thalassitis is an unoaked Assyrtiko, dry (2.1 grams of residual sugar, 7.1 of total acidity) and coming in at 13% alcohol. Tense and multilayered, this has the fruit segmented by the nice acidity, creating silky texture that rolls over the palate in waves. As a fresh white, it is a cut above and superb. It is beautifully focused. If there's a quibble, it is not the most expressive vision of Assyrtiko from Santorini. It could be a bit riper and show a little more fruit. It is similar in style to the 2019, so at least it has the courage of its convictions.
A crisp white variety full of zippy acidity, Assyrtiko comes from the volcanic Greek island of Santorini but is grown increasingly wide throughout the country today. Assyrtiko’s popularity isn’t hard to explain: it retains its acid and mineral profile in a hot climate, stands alone or blends well with other grapes and can also withstand some age. Somm Secret—On the fairly barren, windswept Mediterranean island of Santorini, Assyrtiko vines must be cultivated in low baskets, pinned to the ground. The shape serves to preserve moisture and protect the growing grapes in its interior.
